Zhuojin Pipe Fitting Co., LtdBIM-Based Construction Simulation of Interlocking Steel Pipe Pile Cofferdams
Literature Overview
The paper by Tian Qiong, Wang Zesheng, Zhou Ji, and Tang Yongxiang (2022), published in the Journal of Hunan Institute of Science and Technology (Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 51-56), presents a BIM-based approach for construction planning and optimization of interlocking steel pipe pile cofferdams. The research is supported by the Hunan Provincial Social Science Achievement Review Committee (project XSP21YBZ023) and the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation (project 2019JJ40093). The study is anchored in the Jiuyi Bridge project in Yongzhou City, where a comparative analysis of cofferdam construction schemes was conducted, followed by BIM-based construction simulation and process optimization.
Technical Approach and BIM Application
The study applies Building Information Modeling technology to the construction planning of interlocking steel pipe pile cofferdams. The BIM model integrates geometric information of the pile layout, construction sequence, equipment positioning, and temporal scheduling into a unified digital environment. The key technical workflow involves: (1) parametric modeling of the interlocking steel pipe pile geometry, including the profile dimensions and interlock depth; (2) simulation of the pile driving sequence and crane operations; (3) collision detection between construction equipment and existing structures; and (4) optimization of the cofferdam closure (closing) process.
The interlocking steel pipe piles used in this application feature a specialized cross-section profile that allows adjacent piles to interlock mechanically, creating a continuous watertight wall. The pile profiles are typically designed according to standards such as GB/T 19625 or manufacturer specifications, with profile depths ranging from 25 to 60 mm depending on the hydraulic head and soil conditions.
Key Results and Construction Optimization
The BIM-based simulation demonstrated several significant advantages over traditional planning methods. The precise positioning of interlocking pile driving locations reduced the difficulty of cofferdam closure by ensuring that adjacent piles meet at the designated closure point with minimal misalignment. The construction sequence optimization identified potential conflicts between crane operations, pile driving equipment, and internal excavation activities, allowing these to be resolved before field implementation. The simulation also enabled early prediction of construction difficulties, such as pile driving resistance variations and potential interlock jamming, facilitating real-time adjustment of construction methods.
| BIM Application Aspect | Traditional Method | BIM-Based Method | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pile position accuracy | ±50-100 mm | ±10-20 mm | Reduced closure difficulty |
| Construction sequence conflicts | Identified on-site | Pre-detected in model | Eliminated rework |
| Equipment scheduling | Manual planning | Simulated and optimized | Faster progress |
| Closure prediction | Experience-based | Quantitative simulation | Higher reliability |
Integration with Engineering Practice
From the perspective of steel pipe fabrication and field welding, the BIM approach has direct implications for the manufacturing and installation quality of interlocking piles. The precision positioning enabled by BIM reduces the tolerance requirements on pile profile dimensions, allowing manufacturers to maintain tighter dimensional control during the roll-forming or extrusion process. Additionally, the construction sequence optimization ensures that welding operations for internal bracing and connection plates can be scheduled efficiently, minimizing hot work conflicts in confined spaces. The BIM model can also be extended to include welding inspection points and quality control nodes, creating a digital quality management system that links fabrication records to as-built conditions. This represents a significant advancement in the integration of digital planning with physical construction quality control for steel pipe pile cofferdam projects.